Dive Summary:

• Representatives from South Carolina Electric & Gas, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper – South Carolina’s three major utilities – point to their respective solar programs and projects as proof they are committed to renewable energy.
• Despite the utilities’ claims, just a fraction of one percent of the state’s energy comes from solar power and no more than a few hundred South Carolina residents get electricity from solar energy systems.
• Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Director Stephen Smith said power companies would do more in South Carolina if they were required to use more renewable energy by law.

From the article:

South Carolina's major utilities say they're committed to solar power and renewable energy, although they don't rely heavily on sun power to serve customers.SCE&G, Duke Energy and Santee Cooper proudly point to the solar programs and projects they have undertaken.

Each company gives customers credit on power bills for installing solar panels on roofs, each company has developed solar energy production sites and each company says it is interested in doing more with solar in the future, utility spokespeople said. ...